Multimedia method and system for interaction between a screen-based host and various distributed and free-styled information containing items, and an information containing item for use with such system

• US 20020042301A1
• Filed: 11/13/2001
• Published: 04/11/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: US Philips Corporation (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Dobrusskin, Christoph, Swales, Roger, McGroary, Paul, Van Dorssen, Jacoba, Van Der Voet, Jan
• Granted Patent: US 7,883,416 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/43
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]

Abstract

In multimedia method a screen-based host with processing and I/O facilities interacts with distributed items that are arranged for storing and exchanging digital information with the host. In particular, under proximity conditions the items exchange accordingly with the host, but without requiring formatted berth facilities of the host. The various items through associated self-identifying evoke specific iconizing by the host for signalling to a user an associated service field. The host allows a user person to activate data processing operations with respect to the service field. During proximity conditions the item keeps abreast of host-generated results relevant to its service field. The host allows free styling of the items with respect to their physical shape.

Claims

1. A multimedia method for use with a screen-based host system provided with information processing and I/O facilities, and interacting with one or more distributed items that are arranged for storing information and exchanging information with the host system,

characterized in that said multimedia method comprises the steps of allowing the distributed items to exchange analog or digital information under proximity conditions with respect to the host, but without requiring formatted berth facilities of the host,

with respect to various such items evoking through self-identifying thereof associated specific iconizing by the host for signalling to a user an associated and selective information processing and/or entertainment oriented service field, furthermore so allowing by the host a user person to activate information processing operations with respect to the selective service field,

having each item so keeping abreast of host-generated results during such proximity conditions as being relevant to its associated field,

whilst allowing free styling of such item with respect to physical shape requirements thereto.

2. A multimedia system comprising a screen-based host having information processing and I/O facilities, and one or more distributed items that are arranged for storing information and exchanging information with the host system,

characterized in that said I/O facilities are arranged for allowing the distributed items to exchange analog or digital information under proximity conditions with respect to the host, but without requiring formatted berth facilities,

said host having recognition means for with respect to various such items evoking self-identifying thereof, and having iconizing means for as responsive to said self-identifying producing associated specific iconizing for signalling to a user an associated and selective information procession and/or entertainment oriented service field, and having reception means for furthermore allowing a user person to activate information processing operations with respect to the selective service field,

and having transmission means for so letting each item keep abreast of host-generated results during such proximity conditions as being relevant to its associated field,

whereby such item is being allowed free styling with respect to physical shape requirements thereto.

3. An information item arranged for distributed use in a multimedia system comprising a screen-based host that has information processing and I/O facilities, the item being arranged for storing information and furthermore for exchanging information with the host,

characterized in that said item is arranged for allowing to exchange analog or digital information under proximity conditions with respect to said I/O facilities without requiring formatted berth facilities,

said item having self-identifying means for with respect to various such items through self-identifying versus said host, allowing said host to recognize the actual item for thereby activating a particular information processing and/or entertainment oriented service field, and said item having reception means for upon said person activating information processing operations with respect to the service field in question, then allowing such item to keep abreast of host-generated results during such proximity conditions as being relevant to its associated field,

wherein such item has been allowed free styling with respect to physical shape requirements thereto.